Music videos have become the cornerstone of artist identity in today’s digital landscape. As Andy Gessner, owner and president of Hip Video Promo, puts it: “People listen with their eyes.” This profound insight reveals how the modern music consumer experiences music through visual storytelling, making music videos not just promotional tools but essential components of artistic expression. After promoting over 4,800 music videos throughout his career, Gessner understands the power of visual media in connecting artists with potential fans.

The value of creative storytelling cannot be overstated when crafting a successful music video. Gessner emphasizes that artists must take time to envision how their music translates visually. He advises clients to “go to a dark room, close your eyes, listen to the song the way we used to,” and imagine the perfect visual representation. This approach helps artists tap into authentic visual expressions that amplify their musical message rather than dilute it. The visual becomes an extension of the artist’s identity, showcasing their creative vision and connecting with audiences on a deeper level.

For independent artists with limited budgets, Gessner offers practical guidance. High-quality music videos no longer require five-figure budgets. With smartphone technology and creative vision, artists can produce compelling content that resonates with audiences. The key is creating a human connection through authenticity rather than focusing solely on production value. Gessner has seen videos shot on phones make it to MTV and BET Jams because they contained great songs with genuine artistic vision. As he puts it, “Great music will always find an audience.”

The relationship between short-form and long-form content presents modern marketing challenges. While TikTok and Instagram Reels push creators toward shorter content, Gessner maintains there will always be a market for complete music videos. “We don’t want the freaking cliff notes,” he states, defending the artistic integrity of full-length videos. The key is leveraging both formats strategically—using short-form content to build anticipation while delivering the comprehensive vision through full videos.

Effective social media strategy requires consistency and authenticity. Gessner recommends a “60-day grind” approach where artists maintain a regular posting schedule that includes both music content and personality posts. “Show folks that you’re a human person,” he advises, noting that personality posts should comprise every fourth or fifth post. This balance helps transform casual listeners into “super fans” who connect with the artist beyond their music. One thousand dedicated super fans, according to Gessner, can sustain an artist’s career.

The promotion cycle begins with building anticipation. Gessner suggests teasing snippets of upcoming videos, creating cliffhangers, and maintaining a “consistent vibration” of excitement. However, he warns against being too aggressive with call-to-actions, recommending humility instead: “Be a humble creative and just say, ‘Look, I put a lot of time into this. Let me know what you think.'” This approach respects the audience’s intelligence while still encouraging engagement.

Throughout his career, Gessner has worked with legendary artists like Johnny Cash, promoting the iconic “Hurt” video, and Five Finger Death Punch from their early days. These experiences taught him the value of recognizing potential and advocating persistently for artists he believes in. His success stems not just from industry connections but from genuine passion for helping artists tell their stories visually in ways that resonate with audiences. As the music industry continues to evolve, the fundamental principles of authentic storytelling and consistent audience engagement remain the foundation of successful music marketing.

In a revealing conversation on The Jay Franze Show, actor Matt Drago takes listeners behind the curtain of his breakthrough role in “Somewhere in Montana,” offering profound insights into the actor’s journey and creative process.

Drago’s approach to character development showcases the depth that method acting requires. For his role as Fabian, Drago fully immersed himself in a two-year process, losing 25 pounds and allowing his personality to merge with the character. “I went a full method approach for this one,” he explains. This dedication extends to creating character journals, voice memos, and personalized playlists that help him inhabit his roles completely. Rather than simply memorizing lines, he over-memorizes them without over-rehearsing, allowing for authentic moments with co-stars like Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd.

The conversation reveals how Drago’s background in martial arts has significantly influenced his acting discipline. Practicing Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate since childhood under his father’s guidance, Drago credits this practice with teaching him self-discipline, centeredness, and focus—tools that prove invaluable in his acting career. This disciplined approach helped him remain balanced during pivotal professional moments, including the life-changing phone call offering him the role in “Somewhere in Montana.”

Particularly moving was Drago’s recounting of how he secured the role—through a connection he had helped earlier in his career. Having assisted a fellow artist in connecting with his agent years before, that same person later recommended Drago for the role of Fabian. This full-circle moment highlights the importance of supporting fellow artists and the unexpected ways such generosity can return. As Drago puts it, “Sometimes you don’t even know why you’re granted a role until you’re in it.”

The interview also explores the value of mentorship in artistic development. Drago speaks warmly of the guidance he received from established actors on set, particularly Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd, who became not just colleagues but mentors. One powerful moment came when Michelle told him, “Matt, you are an actor, don’t forget that”—words that affirmed his identity during moments of doubt. This mentorship aspect speaks to the supportive community that can develop in artistic environments, despite the competitive nature of the industry.

Throughout the conversation, Drago emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking, repeatedly acknowledging the crucial role of crew members. “Crews are what make films great,” he asserts, highlighting specific instances where crew ingenuity transformed challenges into creative opportunities. This perspective reveals Drago’s humility and appreciation for every aspect of the filmmaking process, not just the parts that put actors in the spotlight.

In a captivating episode of The Jay Franze Show, host Jay Franze sat down with rising country music artist Dalton Hicks from South Carolina for an intimate conversation about music, inspiration, and perseverance. Throughout the interview, Dalton shares his journey from humble beginnings to emerging country star, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the life of an artist on the rise.

Dalton’s musical journey began with his great-grandmother Olga, who played a pivotal role in his early life and musical development. As he explains, “She passed away and she was always big into the piano, into church and everything. That’s really what inspired me to get into music.” This touching tribute reveals how family connections often form the foundation for artistic pursuits. Dalton started with piano lessons under his grandmother’s guidance before transitioning to guitar at age 17, though he admits he didn’t seriously begin performing until he was about 19 years old.

The songwriting process is a deeply personal one for Dalton, who shares that he writes all his songs by himself. Unlike many Nashville artists who collaborate with professional songwriters, Dalton prefers working alone, stating, “When I start writing a song, when I get an idea, I just go with it and I see where it takes me.” His approach typically begins with developing a song title or chorus, then building the music around those lyrics. This unique process allows his authentic voice to shine through in his music, contributing to his growing fanbase.

A significant breakthrough in Dalton’s career came when he recorded at the iconic Omni studio in Nashville before it was demolished. Working with producer Bill McDermott and session musicians who had played for some of country music’s biggest stars was a transformative experience. “The musicians that got hired to play on the track were some of the coolest people that have played on tracks for some of the biggest names,” Dalton recalls. This Nashville recording experience marked a turning point, bridging the gap between his local performances with his band Southerly Proper and the broader country music industry.

The business side of music presented unexpected challenges for Dalton. He recently signed with management at Burning Ground Entertainment after they discovered him on Instagram, a testament to the power of social media in today’s music industry. This partnership has opened his eyes to the business aspects of music he hadn’t previously considered: “Her and team have been putting a lot into my brain that I had no idea existed.” From publishing rights to promotional strategies, Dalton is now navigating the complex world of music business while staying true to his artistic vision.

Throughout the interview, Dalton emphasizes his desire to inspire others through his music. His latest song “I’m Still Here” speaks to perseverance through difficult times, a theme that resonates throughout his work. “I want to be the person to bring the moments out of the gutter. I want to inspire people to get out of the gutter and have a happy life,” he explains. This mission reveals the heart behind his music – not just to entertain, but to uplift and encourage his listeners through authentic storytelling and relatable experiences.

As Dalton continues to build his career, he remains grounded in his values and commitment to authenticity. When asked about his desired legacy, he responds, “I’m trying to be the best man I can be. We can’t live perfect lives, but I just want to let people know that and just try and motivate as best I can.” This perspective showcases his maturity as both an artist and individual, suggesting that Dalton Hicks is not just a musician to watch, but a voice that will continue to resonate with listeners seeking both entertainment and inspiration.